Photon sieve telescope evaluation for use with lidar systems

This project evaluates the use of a photon sieve telescope for remote sensing lidar systems to reduce the mass, volume and cost associated with traditional lidar telescopes. By the end of FY16, the project will have designed and manufactured a series of 2-inch photon sieve samples for lab bench testing. Samples would be manufactured using existing equipment at Langley. The bench testing will quantify the efficiency of the sieve and its ability to reduce noise.

With initial success in FY16, the team will pursue an SMD/ESTO ACT opportunity in January 2017 by proposing to integrate the photon sieve into an aircraft base lidar system. The Earth Science cloud, aerosol, and ocean color science community will benefit by the simplified optics, reduced mass, and filtering of sun light.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 3) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

None of these are guaranteed paths for this specific project — TechPort itself doesn't have an "apply" button. Reaching out to the contact(s) above with a specific question is usually the fastest way to find out what's actually open.